colour
25 synonyms and 0 antonyms for colour, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — British spelling of color: the visual quality that separates red from blue, green from yellow, and so on.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “colour” mean?
The word “colour” means british spelling of color: the visual quality that separates red from blue, green from yellow, and so on. In plain terms, the standard British/Commonwealth spelling of "color.".
How do you use “colour” in a sentence?
Here is “colour” used in a sentence: “She repainted the wall a soft grey colour.”
What part of speech is “colour”?
Depending on how it is used, “colour” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “colour” a common word?
“Colour” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “colour” have?
“Colour” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: british spelling of color: the visual quality that separates red from blue, green from yellow, and so on.
What is the difference between "colour" and "color"?
There is no difference in meaning, only in spelling. "Colour" is the standard British and Commonwealth form, used across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada, while "color" is the American form. The same split applies to related words like colourful and coloured versus colorful and colored.
Which spelling is correct, colour or color?
Both are correct; it depends on your audience. Use "colour" for British, Australian, or Canadian readers, and "color" for an American one. The key is consistency: pick the spelling that matches your region or style guide and apply it throughout, rather than mixing the two forms.
What are the primary colours?
In traditional painting, the primary colours are red, yellow, and blue, which mix to make the others. In screens and light, the primaries are red, green, and blue (RGB), while printing uses cyan, magenta, and yellow. Which set applies depends on whether you are mixing pigments or light.
Why do British and American spellings of colour differ?
The difference dates to the early 1800s, when American lexicographer Noah Webster promoted simpler, more phonetic spellings and dropped the "u" from words like colour, honour, and favour. Britain kept the older forms, inherited from French and Latin, so the two spelling systems have diverged ever since.